For many, COVID-19 may have resulted in delayed doctor visits for checkups and annual screenings. Borough President James Oddo announced today the start of ‘Check In. Check Up.’, a campaign that reminds Staten Islanders to take charge of their health.
 
“For many of us, COVID-19 may have resulted in delayed doctor visits for checkups and annual screenings. This campaign encourages you to check in with yourself and your loved ones and schedule any missed checkup that may have happened this year. We want to remind you to stay on top of your health,” noted Borough President Oddo.
 
Borough Hall’s webpage, www.statenislandusa.com/checkin, includes tips for women and men on screenings to talk to your doctor about and risk factors to be aware of.
 
Annual screenings allow the chance to potentially detect illnesses early – when they can be easier to treat. This campaign encourages Staten Islanders to talk to their doctor about screenings and tests that may be relevant with their risk factors. Most doctor offices are accepting patients again. Contact your physician’s office to see what COVID-19 protocols may be in effect.

Project Renewal’s Scan Van Mobile Mammography Unit available for FREE screenings 
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In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Borough President James Oddo is encouraging women over 40 to get a mammography and assess their risk for breast cancer. Project Renewal’s FREE Scan Van Mobile Mammography Unit is available throughout the month at several locations for women who wish to be screened. Additionally, during the month of October, Borough President Oddo will use his social media pages to encourage Staten Island women to get their annual mammography and to remind their friends and loved ones that an annual mammography could save their life.
 
“Mammograms are important preventative measures for women, which is why we encourage Staten Island women to take charge of their health and make sure they get their annual mammogram. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. Women should speak to their doctors to determine whether their risk factors require such screening,” said Borough President Oddo.
 
In 2016, BP Oddo unveiled a series of public service announcements (PSAs) that tell the story of four Staten Island women’s journey with breast cancer. Each of the four PSAs emphasizes the importance of routine mammography screenings as a necessary tool in the detection of breast cancer. These videos will be shared each week throughout the month of October on Borough Hall’s social media pages. The PSAs, along with other information about breast cancer and mammography screenings, can be found here: www.statenislandusa.com/breastcancer.
 
The Project Renewal Scan Van screenings will be available to eligible women ages 40 and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. All insurance plans will be accepted, and co-pays and deductibles will be waived. The mammograms will be free to uninsured women 40 and older. An appointment MUST be made to get screened. To make an appointment, call Project Renewal at (646) 415-7932. Project Renewal’s Scan Van will be located at the following:

• Saturday, October 10th at Staten Island Mall (2655 Richmond Ave., 10314) starting at 9am
• Wednesday, October 14th at Brightpoint Health Staten Island (57 Bay St., 10301) starting at 10am
• Tuesday, October 27th at Community Health Center of Richmond (235 Port Richmond Ave., 10302) starting at 9am
• Monday, November 23rd at Senator Lanza’s Office (3845 Richmond Ave., 10312) from 9am-12pm
• Monday, November 23rd at Community Health Center of Richmond (235 Port Richmond Ave., 10302) starting at 1:30pm
• Friday, December 18th at Community Health Center of Richmond (235 Port Richmond Ave., 10302) starting at 1:30pm

 
The screenings are funded by Cancer Services Program of Staten Island. 

Getting a Flu Shot this year is especially important to help people stay healthy and to ease the burden on our health care system
 
Borough President James Oddo has partnered with CVS and Rite Aid for a “Family Flu Shot” Campaign to encourage Staten Islanders to get their annual Flu Shot. Staten  Islanders can visit www.statenislandusa.com/flu2020 to a find location near them to make an appointment for a Flu Shot. New Yorkers can also text “FLU” to 877877 for more information about where to find flu shots close to home.  Many shots are free, while many providers also accept insurance.
 
This fall and winter, the flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 may both be spreading. For that reason, getting a flu shot will be more important than ever to help people stay healthy and to ease the burden on our health care system. Although the flu vaccine will not prevent COVID-19, it will help individuals stay healthy by decreasing the risk of getting sick and needing flu-related medical care.
 
“As we face another flu season while also battling COVID-19, this year it is especially important to get your annual flu shot. If you might be at risk of complications or are in close contact with friends and family members with underlying health conditions, take this step to not only protect yourself but protect those you care for,” said Borough President Oddo.
 
The seasonal flu (influenza) is an upper airway and lung infection that causes fever, cough, sore throat and can cause severe illness or complications like pneumonia and in some cases, death. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections. An annual flu shot is recommended for almost everyone 6 months and older. It is one of the best ways to reduce flu illnesses, hospitalizations and death from flu.
 
Certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing serious health conditions and complications from the flu, so it is especially important for them to get the flu shot - each year, as the shot is different depending on the strain of flu. Children younger than 5, especially those under 2; people 50 and older, especially those 65 and older; and pregnant women can be at increased risk of complications from the flu.
 
Additionally, those with any underlying medical conditions can be at increased risk, including:

• Asthma, emphysema or any other chronic breathing disorders
• Heart, kidney or liver disease
• Blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia
• Weakened immune system, from illness or medication
• Neuromuscular disorders that interfere with breathing or the discharge of mucus
• Long-term aspirin therapy in people under 19
• Obesity (a Body Mass Index of 40 and over)
• People living in nursing homes or other care facilities
• American Indians and Alaskan Natives

 
Caregivers, healthcare workers, and those in close contact with people who belong to a high-risk group should be sure to get a flu shot each year.
 
It is estimated that every year in the United States, about 5% to 20% of the population gets flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications. Each year, more than 2,000 New Yorkers die from flu-related illness.

Borough President James S. Oddo announced today that his office has partnered with Richmond County Medical Society (RCMS) and the Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness (SIPCW) to launch a COVID-19 content specific website for physicians and health care providers that offers resources for themselves and their practices, as well as for dissemination to their patients.
 
The extensive website offers telemedicine resources, malpractice guidance, updated guidelines on testing and PPE use, research studies and literature, community resources, along with wellness resources for doctors and their patients. Providers can access the healthcare webpage at www.covid19si.com. 
 
Telehealth (also known as virtual visits) has become an integral part of the healthcare system during the COVID-19 crisis. It is a useful and safe way practitioners can provide medical assistance to meet patient needs while maintaining social distancing. Given that many practices are just utilizing this technology now in light of the crisis, the site provides literature on regulatory, primary care, behavioral health and best practices from courses such as the federal government and American Medical Association (AMA).
 
“Our way of life has changed drastically during this crisis, and in turn so has the way medical care is provided. We want to be sure everyone has the tools they need to get through this crisis, which is why I am grateful to partner with the Richmond County Medical Society and the Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness to provide our medical professionals with these resources. We will get through this challenging time, but we must continue to work together to do so,” said Borough President Jim Oddo.   
 
The website includes the ability for doctors, nurses, physicians assistants and other medical professionals to sign up to volunteer their expertise at the hospitals or nursing homes based on their skill/comfort level.
 
“We are using technology to give the Staten Island Healthcare Community clinically accurate information to better serve our patients. The web site is designed to provide world class information with a local insight into the pandemic. Healthcare workers can sign up to volunteer to work on Staten Island in a setting where that healthcare worker is clinically comfortable. All financial donations made on the website are to the Staten Island Not for Profit Association and earmarked to provide equipment and medical supplies to those Staten Island organizations that are in need during this crisis,” said Dr. John Maese, Richmond County Medical Society (RCMS).
 
A key component of the website focuses on mental health resources for patients and wellness/self care for the health care providers themselves. In order for community health care professionals to effectively take care of their patients, they must be able to help themselves first, and make sure they are mentally and emotionally prepared to help their patients.
 
“COVID-19 is putting tremendous emotional strain both on the healthcare providers responding to the pandemic and to the larger community who are at risk of developing anxiety, depression and substance misuse. It’s important for health practitioners to have access to self-care tools and local behavioral health resources both for themselves and for their patients,” said Adrienne Abbate, Executive Director, Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness (SIPCW).
 
Medical professionals can access ongoing clinical trials and scientific papers, as well as research from around the world, which give guidance on how to manage and treat COVID-19 patients using best practices and lessons learned. Additionally, due to ever changing and numerous guidelines on testing and PPE being distributed across various sectors, the COVID-19 SI site provides a central portal to access guidance for use from agencies such as the CDC, NYC DOHMH and NYS DOH.
 
Through the website, health care providers can also make donations to support the COVID-19 response efforts of the Staten Island Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) / Medical Ecosystem (MES), a coalition managed by the Staten Island Not-For-Profit Association, in which the Office of Staten Island Borough President has an active role.

​Borough President James S. Oddo announced today that his office has partnered with Richmond County Medical Society (RCMS), Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) and New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians (NY ACP) to launch “10,000 Calls,” an initiative aimed at physician offices that encourages outreach to patients, and/or their caregivers, to provide quick “wellbeing/social check-in” call. Calls will be prioritized to those living alone and over 65 years of age first.
 
The 10,000 Calls Initiative is being led by Richmond County Medical Society, in partnership with Borough Hall and Community Health Action of Staten Island. Similar projects have been supported by the New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians on a statewide basis.
 
The 10,000 Calls Initiative arms physician offices and their staff members with questions to ask patients, and/or their caregivers, concerning relevant critical areas related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Physician staff will ask patients about:
-          Patient’s overall health, such as how a patient is feeling and if there are any pressing health concerns;
-          Need for medication assistance, such as refills, picking up meds, assisting with medication deliveries;
-          Concerns related to pandemic, such as when and where to get tested, who needs to be tested, when to go to emergency department;
-          And concrete help related to social support, such as those related to food (list of pantries, pick up, delivery of food and/or grocery stores) and mental health.
 
“We want to make sure that people have what they need during this trying time, which is why I am grateful for Richmond County Medical Society and Community Health Action of Staten Island for partnering with us to bring this 10,000 Calls Initiative to Staten Island. We will get through this crisis, but we have to continue to work together to do so,” noted Borough President James Oddo.
 
During initial rollout phase, multiple patients needed medication refills, few needed follow-up due to feeling overwhelmed and anxious, and most had a family member or friend checking up on them.
 
"Primary Care Physicians are part of the fabric of our patients’ lives.  We are privileged to be invited to share in patients' celebrations and sorrows, and to advise in times of challenge and fear. As such the office teams are frequent sources of information and comfort, especially in trying times as we are experiencing with COVID19. The 10,000 Calls Project seeks to access the bonds of kinship between patients and their Primary Care Physicians. We believe patients will be honest about their needs and that the physician's office recommendations will be perceived as secure and safe by patients. This is an easy social outreach that brings caring for the individual to a new and more meaningful level,” said Dr. John Maese, Richmond County Medical Society (RCMS).
 
“Community Health Action welcomes this innovative collaboration with Borough Hall, the Richmond County Medical Society and the Staten Island provider community. We stand ready to support their efforts to connect people to critical services,” said Diane Arneth, Executive Director, Community Health Action of Staten Island.
 
If a call results in a patient needing further assistance to additional resources, the physician’s office will ask for consent for a partner to reach out to CHASI who will offer additional support to the patient. CHASI will offer telephonic support on a variety of fronts, such as daily check-ins via a CHASI case manager/counselor if a patient assessment warrant, as well as non-medical needs such as care navigation, emergency food, assistance with benefits, housing, and/or domestic violence issues.
 
CHASI will also be connecting people to drug treatment, harm reduction programs and recovery services as needed. Issues surrounding mental health, such as anxiety, depression, suicide ideations etc., will be connected to 1-800-NYC-WELL, suicide hot line, or RUMC’s new crisis help line at 718-818-6300.
 
It is important to note that this is not a tele-health visit, nor is it aimed to duplicate social determinants of health templates already within the community. The 10,000 Calls Initiative is a program instituted to offer emotional and social support to a community in need during this time. 

​Warnings by biologists that Staten Island’s forests are facing a severe threat from over-browsing and invasive species have prompted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Borough President James Oddo to partner with the College of Staten Island, the Greenbelt Conservancy and the Protectors of Pine Oak Woods to present a Forest Ecology Forum on Tuesday, November 19th, 2019. The free forum, which is open to the public, will take place at The Center for the Arts at the College of Staten Island beginning at 7pm.
 
The State DEC has documented severe damage on Staten Island’s state-owned parks and natural areas from over-browsing to the point where few new trees are surviving past the seedling stage. With fears that Staten Island’s vaunted woodlands could be experiencing its greatest threat, Borough President Oddo is encouraging Staten Islanders to attend this educational forum.
 
Dr. William McShea, Research Ecologist from the Smithsonian Institute’s Conservation Ecology Center, will be a guest speaker at the forum, along with Ken Scarlatelli, NYS DEC Regional Natural Resources Supervisor, and Dr. Susan Elbin, NYC Audubon Director of Conservation and Science. A panel discussion will follow led by the College of Staten Island’s biology and environmental science departments.
 
In presenting evidence of the damage to our forests, the goals of the forum include: raising public awareness about threats to the health and survival of forests and native wildlife; learning from leading ecologists about the cause of decline in forest health; exploring a range of remedies and how individuals and groups can help develop and implement them; and engaging Staten Island residents who care about forests and will be active voices in future management decisions.

​On Wednesday, October 2nd, Borough President James S. Oddo joined with Dan Messina, President and CEO of Richmond University Medical Center, and Joe Verhey, Executive Director of the Broadway YMCA, at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church to announce Healthy Weight Your Child (HWYC), a new pilot program beginning today that will address childhood obesity on Staten Island.
 
The YMCA of the United States awarded only twenty grants to different YMCAs nationwide to implement the HWYC program. HWYC is a holistic evidence-based lifestyle-change intervention that addresses childhood obesity by empowering children and their caregivers/families through education, healthy eating, physical activity and group support.
 
According to the NYC Department of Education, 19.2% of Staten Island public school children in grades K – 8th are clinically obese. According to the Staten Island Child Wellness Initiative, 38.9% of K – 8 students across Staten Island fit the definition of being overweight or clinically obese.
 
“I want to thank our good friends and RUMC, as well as our good friends at the YMCA for allowing us to be a part of this program. When we got to Borough Hall in 2014, one of the fundamental changes we made was to put an emphasis on education and on health and wellness,” noted Borough President Oddo. “I’m so appreciative of what you all do every day, to be so passionate about healthy food and to take the platform you have to talk about the need to educate and inspire. Our audience is those who want to be inspired and those who want to know how to live a healthier life. This is going to help families on Staten Island, and this is a good thing.”
 
This pilot program is a partnership between RUMC and the Broadway YMCA facilitated by the Borough President’s Office. It consists of 25 sessions over 15 weeks that will take place at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church. Studies have shown that this program is cost-efficient and effective in reducing a child's body mass index and waist circumference, reducing sedentary behaviors, increasing physical activity and improving self-esteem.
 
“The Broadway YMCA is proud to partner with the Office of the Staten Island Borough President, RUMC and St. Mary’s Church to implement this program,” said Joe Verhey, Executive Director of the Staten Island Broadway YMCA. “Our mission is to empower youth, improve health and strengthen community, so we are thrilled to be involved in yet another program that supports families and young people in our community as they improve their health and create better habits for life.”
 
RUMC identified patients aged 7-13 years old with a 95% BMI in the clinical practice who qualified and were offered a spot in the HWYC program. One caregiver from each family will also be required to participate in these sessions. Physicians will continue to stay connected during the program and regularly perform comprehensive tests on the enrolled children, such as BMI, blood pressure, and the presence of lipids. At the same time, they will conduct a mental health assessment at the beginning and conclusion of the successful completion of the program.
 
“The number of children across Staten Island considered to be obese continues to grow at an alarming rate,” Richmond University Medical Center President and CEO, Daniel J. Messina, PhD, FACHE, said. “No matter how young a child is, obesity can cause a number of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and liver damage. Obesity can also affect a child’s self-esteem, causing anxiety and depression. We are proud to stand with Borough President James Oddo and the YMCA as partners in the fight against childhood obesity and the encouragement of healthy lifestyles for not just the children of Staten Island, but entire families as well.”
 
While Borough President Oddo’s Director of Health and Wellness, Dr. Ginny Mantello, was working with the Broadway YMCA to identify funding sources that would help link clinical to community interventions, one of the YMCAs awarded a grants dropped out of the program. This gave an opportunity for the opportunity for the Broadway YMCA.  However, they first needed to identify a strong clinical partner. Dr. Mantello was able to identify the Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) Pediatric Clinic, which had high obesity rates. With the backing of Borough Hall, Dr. Mantello connected these two strong partners, and was able to solidify the application of the Broadway YMCA for the HWYC program.

Borough President James Oddo is pleased to announce that he will be sponsoring another round of FREE health screenings for Staten Islanders this fall.

“I am grateful to have the ability to offer Staten Islanders these health screenings,” said Borough President Oddo. “I understand the importance of engaging in preventative measures and taking charge of your health, which is why I encourage all Staten Islanders to take advantage of these free screenings.”

On Thursday, October 10th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Project Renewal will be giving Breast Cancer Screenings at the Forest Avenue Shoppers Town (1553 Forest Avenue). An appointment must be made to get screened. To make an appointment, call Project Renewal at (800) 564-6868.

The screenings will be available to eligible women ages 40 and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. All insurance plans will be accepted, and co-pays and deductibles will be waived. The mammograms will be free to uninsured women.

On Wednesday, November 6th from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, Heart Scan Services will be giving Thyroid Screenings at Staten Island Borough Hall in Conference Room 125. An appointment must be made to be screened. Contact Irene Maiello at 718-816-2239 to reserve your appointment or click here. 

The rate of diagnosis of thyroid cancer has increased in recent years due to improvements to technology. In many cases, physicians cannot feel a nodule, but cancer can be detected through ultrasound screenings. The survival rate of thyroid cancer is very high when found in early stages.

On Thursday, November 7th from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm a nurse from NYC Health and Hospitals will be giving out Flu Shots at Staten Island Borough Hall in Conference Room 125. No appointment is necessary to receive a flu shot. Those presenting for a flu shot need to sign a consent form and show photo ID.

Seasonal influenza, commonly called “flu,” is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract (the nose, throat, and lungs) and can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications. Those at high risk for serious flu complications include pregnant women, children under five years of age, adults over 65, nursing home residents and people with other serious health conditions.
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Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections. The flu can cause mild to severe illness for days, and in some cases can lead to more serious health problems and even death. It is estimated that every year in the United States, about 5% to 20% of the population gets flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications. Each year, more than 2,000 New Yorkers die from flu-related illness.